Telangana HC seeks report on alleged unregulated sale of MTP kits without prescriptions

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has sought a detailed response from the State health and medical authorities on the action taken against the alleged sale of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) kits without prescriptions or supervision by registered medical practitioners.

A division bench passed the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a registered medical practitioner, who raised concerns over the alleged unrestricted availability of medical abortion pills and MTP kits through pharmacies and other outlets.

The petitioner has urged the High Court to ensure strict compliance with the legal safeguards governing medical termination of pregnancy. The plea alleges that over-the-counter sale of abortion medicines and MTP kits is taking place without the involvement and supervision of qualified medical practitioners.

According to TOI, the Telangana High Court on Tuesday directed the health and medical department to file a detailed affidavit on the action taken against the alleged indiscriminate sale of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) kits without prescriptions or the supervision of registered medical practitioners.

The matter assumes significance because medical termination of pregnancy is governed by statutory provisions that prescribe conditions and safeguards for lawful termination of pregnancy. Medical abortion medicines are not intended to be used indiscriminately without appropriate medical assessment and supervision.

The PIL has therefore brought the court's attention to the alleged availability of MTP kits without prescriptions and the need for effective enforcement of existing safeguards.

However, the High Court’s latest direction does not amount to a finding that the alleged violations have been established. The State health authorities will now have to place details of the action taken before the court through a detailed affidavit.